Species profile
Caribbean Reef Shark
Carcharhinus perezii
Identify Caribbean Reef Shark (Carcharhinus perezii) from a photo: try it free in your browser, or get unlimited IDs, no sign-up, with the CatchRules app. Plus current fishing rules across 1 jurisdiction.
At a glance
Caribbean Reef Shark (Carcharhinus perezii) is an IUCN Endangered shark or ray regulated in 2 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
Confirmed by 51 research-grade iNaturalist observations, concentrated in Florida.
Listed under MSA and CITES — verify protected-species rules with the issuing agency before retaining or handling.
Notable details
- The most common and abundant shark species on Caribbean coral reefs.
- Can grow up to 10 feet in length.
- Unlike most sharks, Caribbean reef sharks rest motionless on the seafloor for extended periods.
- Females carry pups for about a year before giving birth to 4–6 young.
- As a key apex predator, their decline can trigger cascading collapse of reef ecosystems.
Where Caribbean Reef Shark are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for Caribbean Reef Shark
Protected status
- Atlantic HMS prohibited (Caribbean reef shark) — must release unharmed.
- CITES Appendix II (Carcharhinidae — all requiem sharks, CoP19 effective Nov 2023).
Always verify protected-species rules with the issuing agency before retaining or handling.
Background
The Caribbean reef shark is a species of requiem shark, belonging to the family Carcharhinidae. It is found in the tropical waters of the western Atlantic Ocean from Florida to Brazil, and is the most commonly encountered reef shark in the Caribbean Sea. With a robust, streamlined body typical of the requiem sharks, this species is difficult to tell apart from other large members of its family…
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Caribbean Reef Shark article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other sharks & rays on CatchRules
Frequently asked questions
What is Caribbean Reef Shark?
Caribbean Reef Shark (Carcharhinus perezii) is an IUCN Endangered shark or ray regulated in 2 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
What is the scientific name for Caribbean Reef Shark?
Caribbean Reef Shark is Carcharhinus perezii.
Is Caribbean Reef Shark regulated for fishing?
Yes — Caribbean Reef Shark has fishing regulations in 1 U.S. state and/or Canadian province tracked by CatchRules. See the "Jurisdictions with rules" section above for the binding-source links.
How can I identify Caribbean Reef Shark?
Take a photo with the free CatchRules app for iPhone or Android — on-device identification recognizes Caribbean Reef Shark along with ~1,500 other species. No sign-up, unlimited use.
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.